One of Felixstowe’s best-known seafront sites is set for a multi-million pound regeneration.

A CGI of the proposed redevelopment of the former Cavendish site on Felixstowe seafront. Picture supplied by: LAST AND TRICKER PARTNERSHIP

The project will mean the closure of the Cavendish Sunday market after more than 35 years, as the land makes way for a six-storey development of 59 homes plus tourist-related uses such as restaurant, shops or cafe.

Loss of the market site will be a blow, but Charles Mannings has assured people that his Sunday stalls at the Charles Manning’s funfair next door will continue to be open and trade as normal.

The 1.4 acres of land at the junction of Sea Road and Beach Station Road was once home to the art deco Cavendish Hotel.

Blue Street Properties Ltd has submitted plans to Suffolk Coastal for the redevelopment project, which will include three commercial units at street-level, which will create around 30 jobs, and 11 three-bed homes and 48 flats, mostly one-bed and two-bed.

Felixstowe's Cavendish Hotel in its hey day

Andy Smith, chairman of Felixstowe Town Council’s planning and environment committee, welcomed the investment and confidence being shown in the resort by the private sector.

He said: “The plans accord with the new policy for the seafront with resort-related activities on the ground floor and apartments above and provides plenty of car parking. There are a lot of small flats, too, which are needed.

“We will take a long, hard look at this at planning but we would welcome the investment and it is another sign of the momentum in Felixstowe at the moment with the investment growing every year.”

Charles Manning, of the Manning’s Amusement Park next door, said: “It is a great investment and a catalyst for regeneration of the seafront.

Felixstowe's Cavendish Hotel

“Hopefully it will encourage other derelict buildings to be rebuilt and cleaned up.”

Architectural and interior designers Last and Tricker Partnership, for the developers, said: “The proposed development does not include affordable housing in so far as none of the flats or dwellings are to be transferred to a housing association or other registered social landlord.

“However, the scheme does include a high percentage of one-bedroom flats which by their very size and nature will mean that they will be positioned at the lower and more affordable end of the housing market. A commuted sum can be discussed with the council as an alternative if necessary.”

Market traders have been told of the development plans and have been given notice of its closure, which will probably take place at the end of the year.

An independent Suffolk music venue has warned that a “long, sober look” is needed at supporting live music venues across the country, as a new national survey reveals threats to the future of some spaces.